From the Archbishop's Desk
June 2009
I am writing from my desk on the day that the report has been published about the abuse of children and young people in places entrusted to the Catholic Church in Ireland over many years. It can only remind us of all we have ever heard about such events here. It is all utterly terrifying and shattering. The first response may well have to be stunned silence, and then only from that silence words of apology that are not from the lips until they emerge from a very troubled heart. Just as I am very slow to use the word sympathy to someone mourning the one they loved, because I cannot easily feel the love and therefore the pain of others, so too apology may well have to be hesitant and stumbling, because the heart where the Spirit dwells knows it does not know the hurt and pain and long-term consequences of what has been done. After such troubled silence and apology from the depths we shall be impelled by love to recognise, appropriate and be faithful to the measures necessary to ensure such Safeguarding that every baby, child young person, every one who is vulnerable is secure and at peace whenever they are among that fellowship of the Holy Spirit, which is the Body of Christ, that is the Church. Love learnt from Jesus Christ our Lord from whose pierced side and broken heart we receive the Holy Spirit, is this: resolved always and everywhere to work for the good of others whatever the cost is to myself. ‘He loved me and gave himself up for me.’ (Galatians 2:20)
14.06.09 Pastoral Letter Sunday 14 June 2009 (mp3)
14.06.09 Pastoral Letter Sunday 14 June 2009 (pdf)
Bishop's Engagements · Archbishop's Letters and Homilies
On August 2nd Fr Stephen Pritchard, Pete Jones and Martin Atherton will set off on an intrepid 746 km bike ride to raise money for work with young people in the Archdiocese. The ride will take the ancient pilgrimage route to the renowned shrine of St James the Apostle in the north of Spain. Months of planning and training have gone into the event and people can sponsor the trio by clicking on the arrow. Thank you for your generosity!
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Message of Pope Benedict XVI
for the 2009 World Day of Communications on Sunday 24 May 2009
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In anticipation of the forthcoming World Communications Day, I would like to address to you some reflections on the theme chosen for this year - New Technologies, New Relationships: Promoting a culture of Respect, Dialogue and Friendship. The new digital technologies are, indeed, bringing about fundamental shifts in patterns of communication and human relationships. These changes are particularly evident among those young people who have grown up with the new technologies and are at home in a digital world that often seems quite foreign to those of us who, as adults, have had to learn to understand and appreciate the opportunities it has to offer for communications.
©2009 Archdiocese of Liverpool